The ruling Naga People's Front is the only party contesting all the 60 seats.

The opposition Congress is contesting 57 seats, followed by NCP in 15, BJP in 11, JD-U in three, RJD in two and the United Nagaland Democratic Party in one.

Of the 2,023 polling stations, 821 have been identified as sensitive and 662 as hyper-sensitive.

Altogether 255 companies of central paramilitary forces have been deployed in the state for the elections.

NPF candidate and former Home Minister Imkong L Imchen was arrested on February 18 for allegedly carrying over Rs one crore in cash, arms and ammunition and liquor in his vehicle.

He resigned subsequently.

Earlier on February 16, Rs one crore cash was seized from a helicopter allegedly being used by Nyemli Phom, another NPF candidate.

Voting begins in Meghalaya

Voting for the Meghalaya assembly elections began Saturday amidst tight security, an official said. Men and women in large numbers queued up in front of polling stations well before voting opened at 7 a.m. in the entire state. Polling ends at 4 p.m., said chief electoral officer Prashant Naik.

The outlawed Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) has called for a 36-hour shutdown from 6 p.m. Friday to 6 a.m. Sunday (Feb 24) as part of the outfit's boycott the assembly polls.

Over 15 lakh electorate are eligible to exercise their franchise to decide the fate of 345 candidates, including 24 women and 122 independents.